Norwegian seismic players TGS, Spectrum set to merge

Norwegian seismic giant TGS is set to acquire its rival Spectrum. The deal would, TGS says, create a leading provider of 2D and 3D seismic data.

The two companies have agreed on the terms of the transaction which is s expected to be completed as a statutory merger pursuant to Norwegian corporate law between TGS and Spectrum.

The shareholders of Spectrum will receive 0,28 shares of TGS per one (1) share in Spectrum (0,28 exchange ratio), corresponding to 7 TGS shares per 25 Spectrum shares, meaning that the shareholders of Spectrum upon completion of the transaction will receive a total of 16.6 million shares in TGS, representing 13.9% of all issued shares in TGS immediately following completion of the transaction. Fractional consideration shares will be settled in cash.

In addition to shares, Spectrum shareholders will receive a cash consideration of USD 0.27 multiplied by the Exchange Ratio subject to the transaction closing after the ex-date for the TGS dividend payable in Q3 2019 (expected to be early August 2019).

The Exchange Ratio and the cash consideration imply a transaction share price of Spectrum of NOK 61.9 per share (based on closing of the TGS share on May 2, 2019), corresponding to a market capitalization of NOK 3,671 million (USD 422 million) on a fully diluted basis.

Both Boards approve

According to TGS, the transaction is supported by the board of directors of each of the companies, as well as Spectrum shareholders representing more than 34.1 % who have given their support to the transaction and agreed to vote their shares in favor of the deal.

“The transaction will enhance TGS’ position as a leading multi-client geophysical data provider with a 2D and 3D seismic data library covering all major mature and frontier basins world-wide. Spectrum has successfully built a substantial presence in the South Atlantic and other important frontier regions. With TGS’ extensive library and financial robustness, the combined entity will be well positioned to accelerate 3D seismic investment plans in an improving market. Furthermore, the combined libraries will have a scale that will help accelerate TGS’ data analytics strategy,” TGS said

“Spectrum has successfully built a strong position in key offshore basins, particularly in the South Atlantic. The transaction thus fits well with one of TGS’s key strategic goals of growing exposure to this region. Moreover, Spectrum’s library, and in particular the vast 2D coverage, further adds to TGS’s strategy within data analytics, where access to large amounts of data is a key success factor. TGS remains committed to maintain the existing dividend policy and emphasizes that the strong cash position, the combination of two free cash flow positive entities and significant cost synergies, will enable continued industry-leading shareholder returns”, stated Kristian Johansen, Chief Executive Officer of TGS.

“The strategic combination of TGS and Spectrum will form a stronger and better company with a world-class data library, people and opportunities. We look forward to joining forces with TGS. There are strong strategic benefits from combining the companies, and we believe we can enhance our growth as part of a larger combined company,” stated Rune Eng, President & Chief Executive Officer of Spectrum.

“Over the past years, Spectrum has been through a growth phase with particular focus on establishing profitable positions in non-mature exploration basins, especially along the Atlantic margin. TGS´ interest in Spectrum is a manifestation of the solid position built by the Spectrum organization over a long time. Being ready for the next phase of the strategic growth plan, TGS is an excellent match, with its asset-light multi-client strategy and strong balance sheet. Altor Fund IV are proud to be part of creating a leading multi-client company, with a strong presence in all the major basins and superior cash generation capabilities”, stated Pål Stampe, Chairman of the board of Spectrum and partner at Altor Equity Partners, the investment advisor to Altor Fund IV.

Definitive merger documents are expected to be entered into during May, with closing of the transaction expected during the third quarter of 2019 following shareholder approvals in EGM and regulatory clearance, TGS said.

Spotted a typo? Have something more to add to the story? Maybe a nice photo? Contact our editorial team via email.

Offshore Energy Today, established in 2010, is read by over 10,000 industry professionals daily. We had nearly 9 million page views in 2018, with 2.4 million new users. This makes us one of the world’s most attractive online platforms in the space of offshore oil and gas and allows our partners to get maximum exposure for their online campaigns. 

If you’re interested in showcasing your company, product or technology on Offshore Energy Today contact our marketing manager Mirza Duran for advertising options.